From My Perspective

The scene was unusual. Perhaps I could have passed it off as silliness or excessive drinking. But no, there they were---two people actually enjoying themselves; two people having FUN, and in public!

They floated with rather than danced to the music, pretending to play “catch me if you can” around a beam in the middle of the festival tent. I watched with amusement, realizing that they were oblivious to having become the center of attention. Eventually, as the music slowed, she caught him and they fell into each others’ arms and hugged----a genuine, warm, friendly hug. Their interaction was so wholesome, open and honest, that I felt that I had been watching an old feel good movie and had been transported back in time.

It struck me as odd and yet very sad that a scene such as this is so rare today. I wondered why these two people stood out so much in a crowd of thousands. Why did most other interactions seem forced, guarded,or even apathetic? Certainly the rest of us know how to honestly and spontaneously enjoy ourselves without the aid of chemical substances or a need for attention, don’t we? Maybe not…….Do you know what fun really feels like? ---Having fun feels safe: You not only feel safe from harm, but safe from judgment and free to be yourself. There are no demands or expectations felt that are stressful to you.

---Having fun feels free: There is a sense of personal freedom and spontaneity, a feeling of creativity and lightness.

---Having fun is timeless: You become so absorbed in what you are doing that time seems to fly by with little awareness of its’ passing.

---Having real fun feels socially enriching: There is a sense of unity and interconnectedness, a feeling of being on the same wavelength as others. You find that you feel good about other people and about yourself.

---Having fun is relaxing: A feeling of tension release predominates. You feel comfortable with laughter and are able to appreciate the things around you. There is a sense of separation form stress. The world and all its’ pettiness and power struggles seems to slip away, leaving you with a feeling that things are in perspective.

---Having fun is refreshing: You feel renewed and invigorated, almost like a battery that has been recharged.

(Excerpt from my book, Happiness: Hidden in Plain Sight. Check Gifts, etc. on menu a top of page for ordering. Special price: only 10.00 plus S/H.) Great Birthday, Friendship, Graduation, etc. gift!